Loyalhanna Creek is one of five waterways nominated for the 2015 Pennsylvania River of the Year award.

The competition is held to raise awareness of the important ecological, recreational, and historical values associated with the state’s rivers and streams. According to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary, Ellen Ferretti, it’s also held to recognize the strong community allegiances that protect and enhance them.

Every year since 1983, the Pennsylvania DCNR has recognized one river in Pennsylvania as the River of the Year.

After a waterway is chosen, the watershed association receives a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund its River of the Year activities. Local groups work with the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the PA Environmental Council to implement a year-round schedule of events to showcase the river.

In the past, River of the Year activities included paddling trips, speaker series, clean-up days and photography contests.

The other 2015 waterways nominees include Conewango Creek, Lackawanna River, Neshaminy Creek, and the Ohio River.

For the past five years, DCNR has opened the PA River of the Year to public voting. The Loyalhanna Watershed Association nominated Loyalhanna Creek to help promote the area and everything it has to offer.